“Superwoman” is an understatement when describing former Gymnast, coach and owner of renowned Johannesburg Gymnastics Centre (JGC), Ilse Pelser. Her work and dedication to the sport has produced South Africa’s top gymnasts that have represented Mzansi on the biggest stages globally. Her hand in the sport is one that has been felt for over two decades and will probably impact generations to come.
After starting Gymnastics at the age of 5, her love for the sport saw her become a Protea gymnast in 1992, just 4 years later she started coaching at a tender age of 18. Fast forward to 2001, Pelser bought JGC from the late Ms Janet Mitchell. Her goal when taking over was a simple yet powerful one, to continue with Ms Mitchell’s legacy:
“Her goal was to make each gymnast the best they could be, whilst treating them with respect, love & care, but pushing them hard to achieve their goals.”
Former SA Gymnast, SA Coach and Industry Professional, Ilse Pelser, on her inspiration
Coach Pelser has just done that. Many of the gymnasts that have walked through her doors can attest to being treated with respect, love and care. Their constantly elevating performances are a testament that some magic is happening in that centre.
Since its inception, JGC has produced 5 Olympic-Qualified gymnasts, 28 Female Protea/Springbok gymnasts who have all represented their country at various International Competitions and 14 National Champions in the Senior Olympic section, since 1993.
One of those superstar products of JGC is the incomparable Caitlin Rooskrantz. At the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Caitlin, made history by winning the first medal on bars for a South African, a bronze medal, a feat that is one of Ilse’s career highlights as a coach. “We achieved many historic results at the Commonwealth Games, including placing 4th as a team for the first time in history, but Caitlin’s medal was the cherry on top.”
Caitlin has booked a ticket to the 2024 Paris Games as we eagerly anticipate and hope that more players and the SA Gymnastics team will be in that plane with Rooskrantz.
While the likes of Ilse and her team work tirelessly to produce the country’s and the world’s best, the acclaimed Pelser has one wish: “Our sport is growing & I’m very proud of the strides we are making in all disciplines. To continue moving forward we need more money invested in our top programme in each discipline.”
From seven gymnasts in her books to over 400 gymnasts across the two branches; Pelser certainly earns the accolade of one of the most influential players in SA Gymnastics. gsport Senior Writer Lonwabo Nkohla caught up with the unparalleled Pelser.
From an international gymnast to coach and owner of a club, please take us back to when it all started. When and how did your love for gymnastics begin?
I started gymnastics at the age of 5 & absolutely fell in love with the sport & have been for the last 40 years. I became a protea gymnast in 1992 & 1996 I started coaching part time at the age of 18. In 2001 I bought the JHB gymnastics centre from my former coach & mentor, the late Ms Janet Mitchell & I have never looked back.
Kindly share some of your fondest memories of your days as a gymnast.
My fondest memories include participating in the Commonwealth Games in 1994, in Canada where I made the beam finals. I also won the national champs in 1995 for the first & only time in my career, this only 4 days after I lost my father in a car accident. I’ve always said that to be a good gymnast you have to truly love(!) Hard work & I can honestly say that hard work, whether I was training myself or whether I am coaching, is my passion.
How would you describe how the journey has gone so far since 2001, when you took over Johannesburg Gymnastics Centre, the gym has seen mind-blowing success?
I took JGC over in 2001 & my goal was to continue with Ms Mitchell’s legacy, which I believe I am doing. Her goal was to make each gymnast the best they could be, whilst treating them with respect, love & care, but pushing them hard to achieve their goals. Today, after 22 years of owning the club I know I can proudly say that I am following in her footsteps.
What would you say are some of lives important lessons gymnastics teaches kids from a young age?
Oh absolutely. I always say that gymnastics should be a compulsory “subject” or extra mural for all children. Individual sports have a way of teaching responsibility, self-discipline & grit like no other, and gymnastics made me who I am today. Most of my former gymnasts have gone on to be very successful adults, and like me, they credit gymnastics for teaching them the true meaning of perseverance & determination. My own two girls do gymnastics too & I’m hoping they will continue until all the lessons they need to learn, are taught.
SA Gymnastics has enjoyed so much success over the years and you’ve been extremely influential in getting us to that point. However, as much as the team has done so well over the years, they still don’t enjoy much coverage. How would better coverage assist SA gymnastics?
You are right, the last 4 years have seen us take SA gymnastics to an even higher level than before & truly, all we need is one corporate sponsor to take us under their wing & walk this journey with us. More coverage would mean more interest from sponsors & I believe it’s the only way we will continue on this very successful trajectory.
At the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, SA, through Caitlin, made history by winning the first medal on bars for a South African – how was that moment for you?
One of the highlights of her & my career for sure. We achieved many historic results at the Commonwealth Games, including placing 4th as a team for the first time in history, but Caitlin’s medal was the cherry on top. What is even more special about this medal, is that it was won by one of the most beautiful souls I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. She is humble, kind & so fierce all at the same time & everything she does is for South Africa & the young girls & boys who want to be like her one day. I admire her.
A lot of the coaches at JGC are former gymnasts – would you say that that makes better coaches?
Not necessarily no, because coach Leeland Christian wasn’t a former gymnast & is superb. What I can say though, is that many of my coaches who are former gymnasts, understand me & our system at JGC very well & this makes the consistency & continuation of our plan very successful. I do believe though that coaches who were former high level gymnasts have a great understanding for the sport & empathy for when a gymnast is having a bad day at training or is just in need of more encouragement.
What has been the key factor in your leadership style that has drawn so many former gymnasts to join your vision at JGC?
I think firstly it is that I share a love and friendship with my gymnasts that extends into adulthood. I’ve tried my best to create a working environment that gives many coaches the opportunities to grow & travel the world. Our environment is positive & conducive to good results as can be seen from us over the last twenty years on a consistent basis. When we include a coach, whose views are not aligned with us, we try to get them out of our system to ensure a culture of hard work, whilst still having fun, can continue.
How would you describe the state of gymnastics in SA right now and what is needed for the sport to grow to greater heights?
Our sport is growing & I’m very proud of the strides we are making in all disciplines. To continue moving forward we need more money invested in our top programme in each discipline. That way the people doing the good work already, will continue to feel well supported to keep doing the best they can for gymnastics in our country.
You work with young girls that grow into extremely talented women. What has been the most rewarding thing about your role as a coach and sometimes mother figure to the girls?
Obviously it is very rewarding when they achieve their own individual goals, but my “why” is truly about so much more. I want to help mould leaders of the future & to see former gymnasts becoming doctors, lawyers, Protea coaches and so forth, who have beautiful children of their own, who I also get to coach at JGC, is the ultimate prize for me.
Paris 24 is around the corner, and Caitlin has qualified, what is your wish for Team SA as these games draw nearer?
I’m wishing the entire team South Africa success, a happy and an unforgettable Paris 2024. Just to qualify for an Olympics is such a fantastic achievement – put in all you can in the build-up to the games, work hard & enjoy the hard work, because one day it will only be a memory. Make it one to remember!
What is your dream for the future of Gymnastics SA?
My dream is for gymnastics SA to keep growing & for us to keep finding solutions to any & all obstacles just like we currently try & do. Our sport might be seen as a minority sport, mostly not recognised even at school awards, but the value of our sport should never be underestimated. Gymnastics changed my life & so many others I know personally. We just need one corporate sponsor to get on board with us & to believe in us, like we believe in ourselves.
Photo Caption: A finalist at the 1994 Commonwealth Games, former gymnast Ilse Pelser now pays it forward by helping produce SA’s biggest stars in the sport. She’s called for investment into SA Gymnastics, while doing her part by running the Johannesburg Gymnastics Centre. Photos: Supplied
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